Drones 31st, July 2010

St AUSCC (279 for 3, R. Battersby 50*) humped Drones (82 all out, R. Dilley 2/10) by 196 runs

The annual Drones tour match began in bright sunshine and with both sides only able to field 10 players. With St Andrews batting first Dom and Dave set out to the middle of the square looking to get the side of to a good start. The opening overs saw both openers watchful of some steady bowling until young Little Twinkle-Twat removed Dave, caught well at gully. This brought Stan to the crease who had clearly seen nothing frightening in the bowling attack and proceeded to score at seeming will. However with a slow outfield this meant many 2's and when Dom made a clearly suffering Stan run a 3 both batsmen agreed that an aerial approach was required and more boundaries came. Just prior to drinks Stan reached his 50 and a few runs later departed, caught behind of the bowling of Head Board. Dom soon also completed his 50 a retired out to give the lower order a bat.

This brought Vikash and Roy to the crease and the less talented bowlers of the Drones attack. Vikash faced the second over from Obvious Bulge which consisted of a wide, an even wider, a leg side wide and a delivery on middle stump which ended Vikash's stay at the crease for a 4 ball duck. Richie then came to the crease feeling his baseballesque batting style was suited to the Drones somewhat wayward bowling. But again the outfield restricted Richie's scoring and along with Roy he proceeded to try and put away the occasional delivery that wasn't 6 foot wide of the stumps. Many 2's later Richie reached his maiden 50 for the club and retired out along with Roy who made 26. With only a few overs left Jerome and Andy came in and blasted a quick fire 30 partnership to end the innings on a total of 279

Fueled by a tea-time Stella Patrick and Baggers took the new ball. Both got the ball to swing with Baggers striking first to remove Mojo eventually finishing with figures of 1/20 of 5 overs. Patrick kept a tidier line going for only 9 runs of his 6 overs and was rewarded with the wicket of Obvious Bulge. Change bowling brought Dave into the attack who according to Stan had a lot to make up after dropping at least 5 chances. And make it up he did taking the wicket of Zippy at the expense of just 4 runs in a hostile 3 over spell. At the other end Roy's left arm darts removed opener and top scorer Jeff Twinkle-Twat and number 6 Little Twinkle-Twat. Two wickets were the reward for Andy Parkinson's good spell supported by Vikash taking 2 also at the other end including another catch for keeper Richie. Things were finished off by Jerome Dilley who bowled a tight spell at the death.

Overall whilst the cricket may have not been the best an enjoyment was had by all, most likely helped by the post match beer.

- Jonathan McDougall-Bagnall